Somfy has launch a new range of connected shades and curtains solutions based on Zigbee 3.0. This new range includes the TaHoma gateway hub with embedded Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) motors and Zigbee 3.0 radio connectivity, a corresponding local controller, an automation app and a full set of motors for shades and curtains.

At CES this year Landis+Gyr partnership with MicroEJ introduced Gridstream Connect Apps as a part of the Gridstream Connect IoT solution portfolio. The Gridstream Connect Apps is already in the market where is helps utilities to offer meter-based flexible billing, demand management used for billing and load management, along with apps that convert a smart meter into a distribution system sensor.

LG Uplus, a subsidiary of LG announced that Korea based Ushin General Construction has selected LG Uplus’s IoT @home platform for the Class Apartments in Geumwang Wooshin, South Korea. The LG Uplus apps will be integrated in different services within the home, allowing residents to use connected home appliances such as heating and cooling, lighting and gas control, unmanned delivery services, energy usage checks and parking controls.

With the majority of parents wanting their children to be healthier (84%) and want their families to be more active (87%), Fitbit has introduced the Fitbit Ace. The Ace, according to Fitbit is an activity tracker that makes fitness fun for kids while inspiring the entire family to build healthy habits together. Designed for kids ages 8 and older; Ace automatically tracks steps; active minutes and sleep; has up to 5 days of battery life; it features an adjustable showerproof wristband in two colours. It offers 10 unique clock faces and two fun interchangeable bands in electric blue and power purple, kids can find the style that fits their unique personality and be motivated to wear Ace day and night, no matter what they are doing.

Want to extend the WiFi range in your home or office? Netgear has just released a new Wifi extender, called Nighthawk X6. Using Netgear’s patented FastLane3 technology, it offers a dedicated 866Mbps 5GHz band for extending internet speeds to all of your connected devices throughout the home.

Microsoft has one, Intel has one, and now Samsung has built theirs. These companies are all building their own show home demonstrating the possibilities of IoT within the connected home. However, Samsung is going a bit further. Through its construction division Samsung C&T, they want to start building these connected homes for customers. In its home country of South Korea, Munjeong-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul; Samsung C&T has set up the “Raemian IoT HomeLab” to demonstrate the latest in IoT solution within the home.

Digital UK partners BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and network operator Arqiva have signed a new five year agreement to accelerate the transition of the Freeview Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service to a fully hybrid platform. The group hopes to provide the best in free-to-view live and on-demand TV in the UK.

Sonos announced the Sonos Beam “soundbar” yesterday for the ultimate in in-home audio experience. The compact, smart soundbar is due out next month for Sonos customer and those wishing to upgrade their soundbar. Also, coming with the Sonos Beam is support for Apple Airplay2. The smart speaker will offer rich sound experience for all the sonic content in your home, from films and TV shows, to music and podcasts. Sonos Beam supports 80+ music services, and multiple voice assistants.

Savant has announced the addition of new products and features in its 8.8 software update. This release enhanced functionality for connected home users and Savant solution integrators, which allows you to create intuitive smart home environment. Its enhanced user interface makes access to music a snap, and exciting new personalization capabilities that enable integrators to deliver fine-tuned smart home experience that can be tailored to your need.

Many of us know Belkin for its many home electronic devices (with brands such Belkin, Linksys, Wemo, Phyn) but many of us might not have heard of Foxconn; of course until recently when they bought Belkin for a reported US$866 million in cash. Foxconn is one of the world's leading chip